classroom must-haves. {and some news}

As I told you yesterday, I have some news.  I've lost my mind with the new nail color trends.

Ok, no, that's not really it.

{deep breath}

I will be switching schools next year.  My current school is the only place I've ever taught and certainly feels like home.  I teach with my best friends and our staff has a definite sense of family.  I've grown up and learned who I am not only as a teacher, but as a person, within the walls of that classroom.  I've made mistakes, received recognition, worked toward a graduate degree and my National Board certification and learned what it really means to be an educator in today's world.

But next year I will be moving.

I'm excited and sad about it all at the same time.  I never thought I'd leave this school, especially of my own accord.  Nothing happened to make me transfer, the opportunity just kind of fell in my lap.  And while I know that the new school will be different {plus closer and with an earlier dismissal bell!} I'm so excited about the possibility of what can happen there.  Maybe I'll go for my doctorate!  This will be the place our kids will most likely end up for their first school experiences!  I can continue to learn and grow while sharing my ideas - and yours! ;) - with a brand new team of awesome educators.  I'm nervous because it's always hard to be the new addition to the family but I also know that change is good and this transition is one I am meant to make for the next season of my life.

One of the most exciting things is that I feel like I can start anew with my classroom!  I'll have no choice to break out of the same layout and routine I've used the past 6 years.  While my head is spinning with organization and possibility, I need to begin to narrow it down and think more concretely.  {After all, the only way to complete a Pinterest project is to choose just one and actually start it, right?!}  So that's why I've created this Linky Party.

What's on your Top 5 {gotta have it} list for the classroom?

Here's mine:

To play along just {right click} copy the picture below, paste it {in Microsoft Word} and add a text box over top.  Save it as a picture and upload it to your blog.  Then come back here with the link and add it!

Help me figure out what to add, delete, change, edit, create, toss or keep for next year!  Imagine it's your dream classroom.  Anything is possible!  :)  And hopefully you'll all find some inspiration as well!